Dodgers

Dodgers Activate Pitcher Brian Wilson

Brian Wilson#38 of the San Francisco Giants rejoins the team in the dugout during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at AT&T Park on September 8, 2012 in San Francisco, California. (credit: Tony Medina/Getty Images)

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MIAMI (CBSLA.com/AP) — Former All-Star closer Brian Wilson was activated Monday from the disabled list by the Los Angeles Dodgers after being sidelined since April 2012 because of an elbow injury.

Wilson, mounting a comeback from Tommy John surgery, was available for the start of the Dodgers’ series at Miami. Outfielder Scott Van Slyke was optioned back to Triple-A Albuquerque.

The Dodgers’ bullpen has been the best in the majors since the All-Star break, and manager Don Mattingly said Wilson’s role was yet to be determined.

“We’re going to get him out there and see,” Mattingly said. “This guy hasn’t pitched in a long time. We know what he has been able to do in the past. We know he’s not going to be afraid. He has been there before. We want to get him in the mix and see what it looks like.”

Wilson made four scoreless appearances during a minor league rehab assignment. The Dodgers signed him after he was non-tendered by the San Francisco Giants last winter.

Wilson signed a one-year deal with the Dodgers after turning down offers from the Giants, the Pittsburgh Pirates, and the Arizona Diamondbacks.